Engineering Apprentice Review

I assist in the modular maintenance activities that occur on the planned maintenance schedule alongside an experienced engineer. This involves the stripping down of components and overhauling them. It might be seals that require replacing, or springs that are worn. Often bearings are replaced. I am learning how to use the tools to do tasks and the dismantling and reassembly familiarises me with the way the machines are put together.

I have learnt lots of new skills. From a practical point of view I've learnt how to use a lathe. I have made bushes to prevent rods from sliding out of a socket. I have learnt how to use a grinder to be able to sharpen scribes, centre-punches and drill bits.

I love it, it's fascinating. When I walk around the factory and I look at all this super fast equipment running on automated systems, I wonder how I'll ever get to know it all. Already, though, I am beginning to understand the ins and outs of the equipment. I am encouraged to ask questions and find out more.

The programme is well structured from the Nestle side. For the four years that the apprenticeship will last, there is a clear progression through the years. Year one is based in the workshop where we learn about the components, year two is based with an engineer learning how the components fit onto the machines and years three and four you are with shift engineers recognising where the problems occur that are not part of planned maintenance.

It's like anything, it depends on the person. Some of the people I interact with are really helpful. My mentor that I'm based with for the first year is really patient, very knowledgeable and helps in every way possible to help me progress. My line manager is difficult to pin down, so trying to complete or set objectives is hard.

A bit mixed. It depends on the tutor mostly. On the whole they provide quite a lot of support, but because they are so disorganised, there are pockets of time that feel like they are wasted. Although the overall assessor says that they'll look into something, it often doesn't get done.

I have learnt many practical skills while in college. I have been able to go back to site and put them into practice. The equipment used at the college is similar tho what we have at work, so having learnt the basics at college, we can then practice and develop our skills in the factory.

I haven't got involved in any of the extra-curricular events, but I know that there is a keen running group and they attend races together and ask if anyone else wants to join. Nestle give employees the opportunity to take time off work to volunteer and my site are currently developing a wildlife area and I have signed myself up for that.

Yes

Nestle have provided me with so much support, I couldn't have asked for more. The qualification that I'll gain at the end will open up a whole world of opportunities. The advantage of working for Nestle is that they are fully global. They will give you the opportunity to travel to different sites around the world.

Don't make a half-hearted attempt with your application. Apprenticeships are very competitive and you want to make sure that yours stands out from the crowd. Try to back up your skills with examples of how you have demonstrated them. For example, if you say you are good at problem-solving (hint: this is a good skill) give some examples of how you have achieved it. It doesn't have to be related to the role you are applying for, you just need to be able to demonstrate you can think outside the box.